A career in the hair and beauty industry can be really rewarding. If you enjoy working closely with clients this could be a great pathway to choose. Whether you want to work as a beautician, hairdresser, nail technician or make-up artist, a course in hair and beauty can lead to numerous job opportunities. You may decide to specialise your skills in roles such as dermal therapist or cosmetic nurse. If you’re not sure which qualification would be best for you, here are some of the most popular choices for further study in hair and beauty:

Certificate III in Beauty Services

A Certificate III in Beauty Services is a great way to get started in the beauty industry. You’ll develop a range of skills such as waxing, eyelash and eyebrow work, nails and basic make-up. You might be employed as a beautician, eyelash and eyebrow technician, makeup artist, nail technician, retail assistant or waxing therapist. The Certificate III in Beauty Services also covers topics including customer service, client consulting and product selection.

Certificate III in Hairdressing

The Certificate III in Hairdressing is the qualification you need to begin a rewarding career in hairdressing. This course gives you the skills you need to work as a barber or hairdresser in a modern hair salon. You’ll learn to wash, cut, style and treat hair and will further your knowledge of topics such as hair colouring, lightening, braiding, bleaching and other chemical treatments.

Certificate III in Nail Technology

If you’re interested in a career in a nail salon, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Nail Technology. This course will give you the skills to perform manicures, pedicures and natural and artificial nail treatments. You may be employed as a nail technician or in other roles such as beautician or retail assistant. The Certificate III in Nail Technology also provides a basic understanding of skin and nail anatomy.

Certificate III in Barbering

A Certificate III in Barbering is an excellent qualification if you’re hoping to get work in a barber’s shop or salon. This course covers a range of practical skills such as shampoo and basin services, haircut design and techniques and shaving heads and faces. You’ll also learn about merchandising and processing cash transactions. This course could lead to roles such as barber or hairdresser.

Certificate III in Make-Up

The Certificate III in Make-Up can lead to a range of job roles including makeup artist, eyelash and eyebrow technician or retail assistant. You’ll learn various make-up and cosmetic techniques as well as developing skills with tanning products and other key salon services such as eyelash and eyebrow work. This course will prepare you to work with beauticians, hairdressers, photographers, department stores, media organisations and fashion houses.

Certificate III in Screen and Media

If you want to take your hair and beauty career in a new direction, a Certificate III in Screen and Media could be a good option. You might work as a make-up artist in the film, television and media industry or take on other roles such as eyelash and eyebrow technician, production assistant or camera assistant. This course will give you the skills to work on a production team with topics including working effectively in the creative arts and creating visual design components.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

The Diploma of Beauty Therapy is the qualification you need to advance your career in the beauty industry. You’ll develop your practical skills in areas such as cosmetics, lash and brow services, tanning, facial treatments, waxing, reflexology, massage and aromatherapy. This course will prepare you for positions such as beautician, dermal therapist, laser therapist, massage therapist, salon manager, spa therapist and waxing therapist.

Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science

An Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science is an excellent way to prepare for a career in a cosmetic medical practice or dermal clinic. You’ll be qualified to work as a dermal therapist and also have a Laser Safety Certificate recognised in Queensland and Western Australia. This course covers topics including epidermal resurfacing techniques, light-based therapies, clinical microdermabrasion procedures, skin needling and chemical resurfacing.

Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science

A Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science can help you further your career in this rewarding industry. This course is designed for qualified beauticians or health practitioners who need to advance their knowledge of dermal science. You’ll be prepared to take on a dermal therapist role with subjects including laser and light-based procedures, chemical resurfacing, needling and clinical microdermabrasion.

Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables

If you’re planning to start a career as a cosmetic nurse, a Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables is the qualification you need. This course is designed for qualified nurses who want to move into cosmetic medicine. You’ll cover a range of topics including cosmetic surgical procedures, injectables and light-based treatments. You’ll also be eligible for a Cosmetic use of Lasers Licence in Queensland and Western Australia.

Written by Jodie Magrath
Jodie Magrath
Jodie is a freelance writer with a background in communication and journalism. She’s spent almost 20 years working in roles such as Special Projects Writer and Publications Officer.